What does a green career really look like? What challenges do women in sustainability face – and how do they overcome them? In this blog, we’ve gathered 7 top tips from the inspiring green career stories of five women: Ellie, Kirsty, Meg, Traci and Vineeta, across diverse roles in sustainability. Their insights offer valuable guidance for anyone starting or evolving their green career journey.
A conversation with Kirsty Green-Mann
How they got started
Their entry points are as varied as their roles: academic studies in sustainability, project management in the organic movement, volunteering at COP26, or simply asking a powerful question – How can we do business in a way that truly prioritises people and the planet?
Some built their green careers slowly, by leaning into their transferable skills and passions. Others made bold leaps into self-employment or seized unexpected opportunities. As one woman said, “Say yes. When you open one door, another appears.”
Here are their combined Top 7 Tips
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Find Joy in Purpose and People
A conversation with Vineeta Greenwood
What do these changemakers love most about their work? Across the board, it’s the meaningful impact and connections that matter. Whether it’s dining at the House of Lords one day and planting trees the next, or coaching young women to step into their power, these women are united by a passion for making a difference.
One woman shared, “I love being around people who are working to improve the state of our planet.” Another said, “I enjoy learning new things and knowing my work contributes to a better future.”
2. No Straight Lines – Just Bold Choices
From mechanical engineering to green energy, project management to ethical entrepreneurship, every career path shared here was anything but linear. Some began with technical degrees; others found their way through personal discovery or chance encounters at events like COP26. One changemaker reflected: “I’ve had a very ‘squiggly’ career, but every twist helped me build skills and discover my purpose.” Another bravely pivoted from designing medical devices to working in renewable energy, guided by her love for the planet.
3. Say Yes, Stay Curious, and Keep Going
What advice would you give to your younger self?
So what advice would they give to their younger selves?
- “This is a long game. Be patient, but keep hold of that fire and ambition.”
- “Your working life is long – don’t stress too much. Follow your passion.”
- “Trust the process and focus on being the best version of yourself.”
- “Don’t be afraid of difficult challenges – they, too, shall pass.”
- “Stay calm, centred, and make time for regular meditation.”
Their wisdom reminds us that careers evolve and that the path is paved by learning, resilience, and self-trust.
4. Overcoming Challenges with Compassion and Grit
From managing teams through tough transitions to navigating burnout or stepping away from leadership roles, each woman has faced moments of deep challenge. What carried them through? A blend of inner strength and external support.
Tools such as mindfulness, therapy, boundary setting, and asking for help were key. “I focused on my moral compass,” one said. Another shared, “I had to let go of the shore to explore deeper parts of myself.”
5. Skills That Make a Lasting Impact
A conversation with Ellie Van Der Heijden
Top skills highlighted by these professionals include:
- Integrity – making tough choices while staying true to values
- Communication & Relationship-Building – essential for collaboration and leadership
- Resilience & Adaptability – embracing change with courage
- Organisation & Vision – turning ideas into impactful projects
- Self-awareness – recognising fear and transforming it into growth.
6. Pride in progress and positive ripples
What stands out isn’t just single achievements – it’s the ripple effect. From building ethical businesses and developing green career programmes, to hearing that something they said inspired someone else, these women are proud of the positive change they’ve made possible. “I still get blown away seeing our catalysts out there doing amazing things in the world.”
7. It’s People that really matter
From building award-winning sustainability strategies in business to founding impactful social enterprises, these women have helped shape the green economy. But what they’re most proud of often comes down to people: the changemakers they’ve mentored, the trust they’ve built, the moments when someone says, you really helped me.
Why They Support Catalyse Change
Every woman featured here is a champion of Catalyse Change – because they know the power of belief, mentorship, and community. One supporter said, “I was lucky to have people believe in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I want young women to feel that too.” Another shared, “It’s about inclusion, confidence, and the environment. The energy, growth and impact from the programme is proof it works.”
Whether it’s through personal alignment, a desire to help others overcome fear, or belief in the next generation of sustainability leaders, these women are united in their support. As one beautifully put it: “Catalyse Change helps women gain agency over their minds, nurture themselves, and become the role models we need to lead us into a better future.”
Your green career might not follow a straight line, but if you stay curious, committed, and connected to your values, it will be one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take.
Inspired to start your own green career? Let these stories fuel your journey, and know that you’re not alone. We’re building a movement of conscious, courageous changemakers. Come join us. To join our newsletter email list and/or make an enquiry contact info@catalysechange.com
